Emery C. Fisher

Emery C. Fisher, 74 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the World War Memorial Building, Devils Lake, ND with Reverend Timothy Stout officiating. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Emery C., son of Emery and Mary Elizabeth (Thompson) Fisher was born on August 5, 1941 at Vacaville, California. He was reared in Vacaville and graduated from Vacaville High School with the class of 1959. As a very young man, he made a decision to serve his country, fellow man and be a positive force in community and family life and made this his calling the rest of his life. Emery enlisted in the US Air Force and served for 4 years in Mineral Wells, Texas. After his discharge he worked at various jobs in California until he was offered a job working on a farm in Idaho. As fate would have it, Emery met his future bride, the love of his life, Annette Winn. The job offer was from Annette’s uncle. They were united in marriage on January 18, 1964 in Pocatello, Idaho. They would begin over 52 years of love, laughter and adventures of a lifetime. In the short years from 1963 to 1965, Emery worked in Idaho, Oregon, Southern California at jobs that included but not limited to, roofer, chicken farmer, deputy sheriff, limo driver, wine salesman and so much more. His heart led him to again serve his country and he joined the US Army in March of 1965. His first assignment was as a Military Police Officer at West Point. He was transferred to Fort Rucker, Alabama, trained as a pilot, flew helicopters- the Scout, Huey and Cobra- on two tours in Vietnam. When the Vietnam War ended, the family moved to Germany and later were transferred to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Along with military service and raising his family, Emery attended the University of Alaska and graduated with a degree in US History. Army life meant many new assignments, so the family moved to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas and then to Fort Lewis, Washington. As a Chief Warrant Officer, Emery was a pilot instructor for the new recruits. He would also serve yearlong tours in Egypt and South Korea. In 1987, Emery retired from 28 years of Military Service only to begin another almost 30 years of civilian adventures with his family. As an Army Officer, Emery was the recipient of many medals and commendations which included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. Emery’s first move to Devils Lake was in 1987 and he was the ROTC instructor for the Devils Lake Public School System for the next 3 years. He then returned to California to take an executive position with Bechtel Corporation, the largest construction and civil engineering Company in the United States. His employment with Bechtel took him to Kuwait and Algeria. He also worked for Burns Security in California and Alaska. Before returning to Devils Lake in 2002, Emery was the ROTC Instructor with Hibbing Chisholm High School in Minnesota. Emery was planning retirement in Devils Lake, but that did not last that long. He soon began as a Real Estate Agent with Real Estate 7. No matter where Emery lived, he was always active in the community and the Veteran organizations and he would continue that dedication in Devils Lake. He was involved in Voice of Democracy, Fourth of July Parade, College Scholarships, Veterans Day and Memorial Day services as well as countless Military Funeral Honors with the VFW Honor Guard. He served as the local VFW Commander and in 2013 was elected the State Commander of the North Dakota VFW. Emery also enjoyed membership in the Cooties and served as Commander Grand in 2014-2015, the Elks Lodge, Masons and helping to institute the De Molay Youth Order, the Shrine and was a Rainbow Dad. He felt so honored to be named the Unsung Hero in September of 2015. Emery tackled every project and job with great energy and enthusiasm. But his first love and most important task was that of being a devoted husband, loving Dad and number one Grandpa. He took great pleasure in being involved in the lives of his grandchildren, they were his pride and joy. He had a great passion for hunting and fishing and those were some adventures he happily enjoyed with his grandchildren. Emery is survived by his loving family. His beloved wife, Annette; sons Emery Scott Fisher and Everett H. (Misty) Fisher of Devils Lake; daughter Margaret (Mike) Sonmor, St. Cloud, MN; grandchildren Kayla Anne (Andrew Eglin) Fisher, Hillsboro, OR and Christopher Allen, Sabrina Annmarie and Thomas Alexander Fisher, Devils Lake and Elizabeth Kayla and Addison Mae Sonmor, St. Cloud, MN; brothers and sisters William “Bill” Fisher, British Columbia, Canada, Beth Patterson, Texas, Jamie (Chuck Otey) Patterson, Colorado and Jim (Girley) Fisher, California; sister-in-law Judy Black, Idaho and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law and mother-in-law Howard and Jane Winn. Emery had many charities that were close to his heart. Memorials may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice or the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 South Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.